Reborn: The Villainess Shines

Samuel's PoV

Seeing Nadia West crying really did surprise me, it was the first time I ever have seen her show an emotion that wasn't formal. Before I could stop her, Nadia was already running away in tears; I was going to go after her but I was stopped by Nate West. "Your Highness, sorry for being rude but please explain to me why my sister was crying? She rarely cries or shows strong emotions so something huge must have happened." He asked with wide eyes.

Before I could speak, one of my close friends and a knight, Rick Anders, blocked Nate from coming closer to me. "Sir Nate, please mind your manner and remember who you're speaking to right now," Rick said in a warning voice.

Noticing his behavior was out of hand Nate backed away with a bow, "I'm sorry, Your Highness. I was just a little shocked This may be rude but please tell me what kind of situation this is and why my younger sister ran away crying?" He asked in a polite voice.

Faced with the questioning glances of both Rick Anders and Nate West, I didn't know what to tell them. How could I explain a situation where I would be put in a bad light, even I don't know why I acted in such a manner. Nadia West was absolutely correct because of my defending of another woman against my own fiance, is simply something inexcusable.

I already knew my friendship with Lydia Clover was seen as odd in the eyes of my fellow schoolmates but I didn't think I was doing anything wrong. During the time I spent with her I just believed she was an interesting girl who was blessed with rare abilities. When I heard that she was hurt in combat class, first I felt fear then worry if she was fine. Later, I heard the rumor about Nadia West attacking Lydia on purpose, I felt the anger build in my heart. Wishing hard that Nadia wouldn't do such a thing I tried to ignore those rumors. Today when I saw Lydia walking to the cafeteria with the help of her friends, sadness overcame me. By chance, I saw Nadia West walking in the opposite direction with a calm and noble aura and I started to see red. Upset, beyond upset was the only feeling that was in my heart and I had to tell her what was on my mind.

Understanding my mistake and letting out a sigh, I turned my back on them, "Sir Nate, I cannot explain the situation but know this the one in the wrong is me. Please tell Lady West that I'm sorry and that her words might be true." I said then walked away leaving them and their questioning stares.

*****

It has been two weeks since my little conversation with Prince Samuel, so I was not surprised to get a summon from the king. Now I was standing before the king of Asteria bowing with my parents, waiting for the scene that I had created. "Rise, Duke, and Duchess West, you as well Lady West." King Roman said.

Rising, my father took in a breath and step forward, "Your Majesty, may you tell us why we have been summoned today. Have we done something to displease the royal family." Father said carefully.

Instead of answering the king let out a rare sight and frowned, "Duke West, please calm your nerves, I believe we are the one who will cause disp.l.e.a.s.u.r.e." King Roman said.

My parents looked at each other in confusion and waited for the king to continue his words. "As you know I married my queen for love, and I hoped the same for my children. I believed my father had the right idea of letting me grow with my queen and foster the feelings of love. Wishing can only go so far and one cannot force love no matter how much they want it." He said looking at me with sad eyes.

My parents started to pale, coming to understand the reason why they were summoned to the palace. I, on the other hand, was fighting with myself to avoid the smile that wanted to bloom on my face about the news. King Roman continued, "With all that said, a marriage cannot be joyful if there is no love between the couple. While I'm am the king who wants the best for my people, I still a parent who wants his children to have a happy and wonderful future. That's why I'm sorry Lady West, but I believe marriage between the crown prince and you should not happen, that is why I'll have to annul the engagement." King Roman said with sorrow.

Putting on a sad but understanding face, "Your Majesty, I accept your decree and please don't feel bad because I understand. I also feel that a marriage without love will only lead to sadness for those involved. While I do have feelings for the crown prince they never went beyond that of friendship, as his friend I would only hope for his happiness." I said with confidence.

My father gave me a sad smile, while my mother looked pale and almost faint, but I just kept my calm and sincere smile. Seeing that I truly was upset, the queen stood and came my way, taking my hand into hers. "Dear, I watched you grown up so I always thought of you as one of my children, that's why I also wish for you to be happy. Even if you're not family by marriage you'll always be treated as such in the royal family. I'm sorry that you and my son couldn't work but I do hope you'll continue to be his friend." Queen Tia said squeezing my hand.

Smiling, "Don't worry Your Royal Highness, no matter what happens in the future, his highness the crown prince will always be my childhood friend." I said giving Prince Samuel who was quiet and standing by the king's side a bright smile.

Prince Samuel who was feeling guilty since he told his family that the engagement should be annulled, finally gave me a small but happy smile. Hearing the ding and Momo telling me that I completed a mission, my smile got even brighter.